[trumpet]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Some owners of Thunderbird/Classic 500 have reported the same issue in Team-BHP and the culprit was the ruptured breather tube! So, I called Sri Velavan Motors, Anna Salai, Chennai, enquired about the availability of breather tube and after getting positive answer, rode there and got the culprit replaced with a new one. I am thankful to Team-BHP.

Yes, the breather tube can be quite a problem. The 500s have an idle speed of 1000 and above. This is the third time the breather tube is being adjusted. my RPM went from 1000- 2000 and was oscillating.

This happens because of the heat generated by the 500 and probably the 350 guys may not feel this. Thanks Ravi sir for your posts. Your posts are really an encouragement to all. I own the same TBTS 500 Marine Blue and he is called Bruce!!. Done 3600 on the ODO with no issues.

Trumpet.

Originally Posted by trumpet

This happens because of the heat generated by the 500

You hit the bull's-eye, trumpet. Another thing to check up regularly is the fuel hose, which is also prone to rupture. Actually, Royal Enfield specifies replacement of these hoses at 12 k km service.



Thanks a lot for the compliments.

Originally Posted by shaikhmimran

please place the phone in a pouch with a chord running behind it. The chord should be secured to your body or bike.

Thanks, shaikhmimran. I will do it.

Originally Posted by farhadtarapore

After a lot of enfield bashing which I've done in the past, and reading each and every post on this awesome thread over 2 full days, I've booked my T'bird 500 in a lightning color.

Congratulations and best wishes, farhadtarapore. Thanks a lot for the appreciation.

Today morning, while washing the Blue Bird, I noticed one spoke that got cut near the hub and was dangling freely on the rear wheel, which was rotating slightly unevenly, indicating slightly bent rim, but I didn't feel any wobbling, while riding. I was in two minds: whether to ride to Pudupet, where wheel truing mechanics were available or to the nearest Royal Enfield authorised service station, Sri Velavan Motors, Anna Salai, Chennai, located just 2 km from my home. I chose the latter, called them, fixed appointment for the after-lunch session, rode there and got the work done costing ₹ 382 including replacement of one spoke priced ₹ 9. They took two hours to finish the job that included removal of the rear wheel from the bike and removal of tyre and tube from the rim and fitting them back after wheel-truing. Now, the rear wheel rotates freely and evenly.

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

I chose the latter, called them, fixed appointment for the after-lunch session, rode there and got the work done costing ₹ 382 including replacement of one spoke priced ₹ 9.

Not bad chief, looks like your maintenance is quite low.
My TB 500 just had its 20000 Km Service done and it costed me 2504 Rs.

Got all the rubber tubes replaced, Bearings checked and greased. Air filter replaced as it had choked at a couple of key points. Considering BMC Air filter but not sure if they are worth it. (your thoughts please)
Have not yet got the forks overhaul done so far as it is functioning smoothly.

My tires have balded but Ceat Vertigo Sports is not available in Bangalore. How is the case in Madras? Are you able to source one?

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Not bad chief, looks like your maintenance is quite low.

Thanks, ku69rd.

Got all the rubber tubes replaced, Bearings checked and greased.

Before replacing the breather tube, I checked and found all other tubes and hoses are okay. Anyway, I will get the remaining tubes and hoses replaced in the next coupla services.

Considering BMC Air filter but not sure if they are worth it. (your thoughts please)

Sorry, no idea.

Have not yet got the forks overhaul done so far as it is functioning smoothly.

The front fork oil is required to be replaced during the fourth free service at 9 k km/9months. But, I was told by the service personnel at the company-owned service centre at Chennai that they would replace the oil only if the customer reported a leak or a problem. Otherwise, they won't do it. So, mine is still running with stock fork oil even after 12 k km! But, my son got his Classic 500's fork oil replaced at HSR Enterprises, Rajajinagar, Bangalore as stipulated in the manual.

My tires have balded but Ceat Vertigo Sports is not available in Bangalore. How is the case in Madras? Are you able to source one?

As my bird is just 12 k km old with good treads on the stock tyres, I have not yet started bothering the availability of replacement tyres.

[farhadtarapore]

So after riding the CBR250RA for 4 years, I ventured into a Royal Enfield showroom at Bandra to test ride their new bikes. Rode the classic and thunderbird. Things I liked about the Thunderbird:

1. Looks (personal opinion)
2. Comfortable riding position
3. Muted sound (yes, I don't like things too loud)

Chose the Lightning color and after fifteen days, got a call from the showroom that the bike is registered and ready for it's homecoming.

Wife and I went to the showroom, but the bike wasn't there. Apparently, it was at some unnamed godown in Hi-Life mall at Santacruz where a couple of mechanics were present.

Showed them the booking and payment papers and they started preparing the bike (cleaning, etc.). He asked me if I wanted a leg guard and I said yes. They fit the leg guard. Unfortunately, I didn't have the Rs. 1000 in cash (no cards accepted) to pay them. They didn't accept that I could pay them Rs. 800 now and Rs. 200 the next day. It was raining heavily and I walked around Santacruz station to find an ATM without any luck. Grudgingly, I asked him to remove the leg guard. So, a bit disappointed, but very happy overall, we rode the bike home. In the pouring rain. Without umbrella or raincoat.

Riding experience

Things I love about this bike:

1. Very comfy for rider and pillion
2. Butter smooth gear shifts (yeah I know, this is an RE, but it rocks)
3. Superb pulling capability (all those reviews mentioning the torque, they're bang on)
4. Good quality of plastic in the switchgear (having owned an RE earlier long back, this is a major improvement)
5. Awesome pickup. I read some posts where they mention low pickup, but I felt nothing like that. Even though I shouldn't be doing so, I was able to reach 60kmph in no time from standstill.
6. Horn is awesome
7. No more kicking required: one press of the button and the engine vrooms to life.
8. Nice bright headlights - tried only city riding yet, so more than adequate.

Things I slightly dislike about bike:

1. Bumps are felt a bit more due to the seating position. Unlike the CBR, I cannot stand on the footpegs to avoid the jolts hitting my spine
2. While wearing shorts, the side of my shin got little burnt when my leg accidentally touched the exhaust. I can see something of a heat shield, but it was bloody hot.
3. Slotting into neutral is a hit or miss - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. One trick I've found is to not go to first gear while stopping the bike, go into second and release half clutch, then slightly tap on the gear and it will show the "N" on the instrument cluster.

Now for the questions:

1. Where can I get a decent numberplate done in and around Bandra? The bike delivery chaps just wrote the number with a marker and it's starting to wear off.
2. Where can I get tank pads where my knees touch the tank? RE ones would be preferable
3. Is there any DIY with pics for headlight adjustment?
4. Any way to hide the clump of wires protruding under the rider seat?
5. Is antirust really required, I don't want to screw the looks of the bike and anyway in this weather with the salty sea air, anything will eventually rust
6. Any way to protect the pants and shoes from the spray of water from the front wheels while riding on wet roads? I've seen folks put a horrendous looking corrugated plastic or cardboard kinda thingy, but really, need something pleasing to look at and functional

And here it is:

[The Great]

Originally Posted by farhadtarapore

[*]Where can I get a decent numberplate done in and around Bandra? The bike delivery chaps just wrote the number with a marker and it's starting to wear off.[*]Where can I get tank pads where my knees touch the tank? RE ones would be preferable[*]Is there any DIY with pics for headlight adjustment?[*]Any way to hide the clump of wires protruding under the rider seat?[*]Is antirust really required, I don't want to screw the looks of the bike and anyway in this weather with the salty sea air, anything will eventually rust[*]Any way to protect the pants and shoes from the spray of water from the front wheels while riding on wet roads? I've seen folks put a horrendous looking corrugated plastic or cardboard kinda thingy, but really, need something pleasing to look at and functional [/list]And here it is:
Attachment 1395624

Firstly congratulations for your new TB500 it looks really fantastic. I am a sucker for brand new look of vehicles just out of the showroom

1. The best place to make the number plate near your place would be Santacruz Milan Subway. You will get tonnes of choices there.

2. If you are keen on putting the tank pads then go to Ram Motors or Singh motors at Lamington road, they are the specialists in OEM parts for Royal Enfields.

3. Cant say because I haven't seen the internals of a TB although in the other contemporary models its fairly easy to just remove the top screw and adjust the headlight position.

4. Remove the seat and tie the wires with either electric tape or "puttha clip" as its commonly refferred by the mechanics (its the plastic white wire type that we often use in computer items)

5. The local weird looking anti-rusts are not that good in quality, but there are a number of shops offering Paint Protection and Polymer coating etc. 3m and Sparkleeda are to name a few who do it in Mumbai, go for that treatment and it will look superb but will cost a bit more than the local one.

6. You can put the front mudflaps instead.

[navin_v8]

First of all congrats on the purchase of the Tbird500. Now for the answers:

1. You can get numbers stuck on the existing number plate at a very little cost from any number plate maker. Other option is to choose from metal (aluminium) embossed number plates to fibre number plates. The choice is yours.
2. If you mean the tank pads seen on RE CL series motorcycles then visit Raj Kamal spares or any RE Authorised Sales and Service centre to buy this.
3. This can be done at the service centre, make sure you take a ride after the adjustment to see if the light throw is as per your liking.
4. Use a plastic sleeve to cover the wires and secure the sleeve using tie belts.
5. This is subjective I have seen some people do and some people don't. I have been using anti rust on all my motorcycles and have a good experience of preventing rust. But there are other options available as mentioned by The Great.
6. Mate those plastic cardboard things will actually ruin your engine by sapping it of airflow. Our Tbird engines are air cooled and need proper air circulation to prevent it from overheating. The cardboard contraptions block the air flow to the engine, so it is better to stay away from it. As suggested by The Great you can fix up a mud flap on the mudguard. There is a new type of mud flap floating around in the market which does not need drilling your mudguard, it's a screw type where it secures the mud flap to the fender body.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your Tbird500 and Ride Safe.

[Abhi_abarth]

Originally Posted by farhadtarapore

So after riding the CBR250RA for 4 years,

First of all let me congratulate on your purchase bro. I would like to know your ownership experience of the CBR, the goods and the bads etc. Also, a small comparison with the TB500 as well if possible. Might help the prospective buyers ( like me )

[farhadtarapore]

Went to Milan subway and got the numberplate done. also got the leg guard fitted at the same RE godown

Comparison between CBR 250 and TB 500

For CBR 250

1. abs - boon in emergency situations
2. fit and finish - wires properly sheathed, nothing hanging out
3. no rusting parts - no chrome
4. can stand on footpegs during bumps
5. no vibrations
6. sedate driving: avg 30 kmpl

Buy this if you want a trouble-free ownership experience and the slightly crouched posture is not a concern for you.

Gotcha: unused for 4 month, the battery died. since there is no kick in this bike, had to drag it about 2kms to a battery shop to get it jumpstarted.

For TB 500

1. Comfortable seating position
2. Looks (subjective)
3. 500cc engine (low revving, torquey)

Buy this for comfort and sheer road presence. Or if long rides are your thing.

Both bikes offer good feature and are relatively niggle-free now.

[Snehal Sekhar]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Mine is 5-year old MapMyIndia Lx130, which is no more available. For the latest products and prices, visit here.

Ravi Sir, the MapMyIndia device that you have been using on your Blue Bird is not the Trailblazer 2 isn't it?

When I spoke to the MapMyIndia customer service today, I was informed that it was not advisable to use other MapMyIndia devices (the ones made for Cars) on the bike as they could get damaged due to it being out in direct sunlight for longer durations. How true is this? Since you have been using it on your rides, have you faced any issue with the device not working or getting damaged?

I plan on buying one but since the Trailblazer 2 is no longer being manufactured, wanted to know if the other devices that they have would suit me fine on my rides.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Snehal Sekhar

MapMyIndia device that you have been using on your Blue Bird is not the Trailblazer 2 isn't it?

No, it is not Trailblazer. It is 3.5" Made-in-China hardware called Lx130, which has been discontinued by MapMyIndia now. So, future map updates are ruled out for my Lx130.

When I spoke to the MapMyIndia customer service today, I was informed that it was not advisable to use other MapMyIndia devices (the ones made for Cars) on the bike as they could get damaged due to it being out in direct sunlight for longer durations. How true is this?

Rubbish. I have been using MMI Lx130 in my Thunderbird 500 for all my long rides of ~1,000 km each in rain and shine from the last 2 years without any issues. Only thing is, I remove and store it inside the water-proof tank bag of my bird at the slightest hint of drizzle. I have never exposed the hardware to the rains.

Since you have been using it on your rides, have you faced any issue with the device not working or getting damaged?

My Lx130 is still fit as a fiddle. The only negatives are the small size [3.5"] and the lack of future updates. That's why, I am testing the alternative Navi Maps of MMI in my 5.5" smartphone. I will try that in my next long ride, and then, report here.

I plan on buying one but since the Trailblazer 2 is no longer being manufactured, wanted to know if the other devices that they have would suit me fine on my rides.

Please consider loading Navi Maps in your smartphone and using it as your navigator. There are some negatives: you must have 12V charger in your bike. During calls, the maps disappear! Anyway, I am testing it and I will report here only after a long ride with it.

[Snehal Sekhar]

Thank you for the quick and detailed response Sir! Anyway, I have a Window's mobile and their HereMaps are very good but the only issue I have had is I need to refresh the touchscreen every couple of minutes, or the screen goes blank on my phone.
I was just wondering if a dedicated GPS device would be better or not. As of now, it looks like I will stay with the HereMaps on my Window's phone and buy a 12v charger and a phone holder to fix on the handle.

Originally Posted by Snehal Sekhar

I have a Window's mobile and their HereMaps are very good

I tried Here too. But, I could not change the default route by inserting via points in my Android smartphone. That's why, I bought Navi Maps costing ₹ 599.99, wherein I could easily change the default route by inserting via points.

[navin_v8]

Hi I am using what I call a SMPDGPS (Smartphone Dedicated GPS) . I was planning to go for a dedicated GPS from MMI, Garmin, Tom Tom, etc. but instead opted for a Android smartphone with 4.7 inch screen which was much cheaper to procure and has a decent battery life along with being versatile and dynamic. I installed some free maps on it like Here, Sygic, MapsME, etc. The beauty of all these maps is they can work offline as well in addition to Google maps as well. I have used them and they work like a charm. For a backup I have also installed all these maps on my regular smartphone which has a 4000 mAH battery. I have used both my smartphones on my rides and they are serving me very well.

Hope this helps.